Required Qualifications**

• Registered in a PhD Programme in Laboratory Medicine, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, Epidemiology, or related field.

• Completed or nearing completion of PhD coursework and ready for the research phase.

• Strong grounding in laboratory methods and quantitative analysis (STATA, R, Python).

• Demonstrated interest in ageing, dementia, cardiovascular disease, or biomarker science.

• Ability to work independently and manage a multi-year research project.

• Excellent academic writing and communication skills.

Relevant Experience**

• Experience with biomarker assays (e.g., immunoassays, proteomics, metabolomics).

• Familiarity with biobanking or biospecimen management.

• Exposure to population-based or clinical research.

• Interest in translational and policy-relevant ageing research in LMICs.

Doctoral research design**

• Develop a biomarker-focused PhD protocol aligned with LOSHAK priorities; define analyte panels and analytical strategy; secure ethics and regulatory approvals.

Laboratory & biospecimen workflows****

• Design and implement biospecimen handling, storage, and assay pipelines for AD/ADRDs and CVD biomarkers; contribute to SOPs development and Quality Assurance (QA)

Data integration & analysis****

• Link biomarker data with cognitive, clinical, and longitudinal survey data; apply appropriate statistical and epidemiological methods.

Scholarly outputs****

• Produce thesis chapters; prepare manuscripts; disseminate findings to scientific and clinical audiences.

Platform & team engagement****

• Contribute to LOSHAK laboratory and biobank development; engage with multidisciplinary teams (epidemiology, neurology, cardiology, data science)

Professional development**

• Build expertise in biomarker science, neurocardiovascular ageing, and longitudinal analysis; complete relevant training